Financial Strain Takes Heavy Toll On Valley Theater
Theater
The Valley Repertory Theatre opens the twin bill of “Lone Star” and “Laundry and Bourbon” on Friday - and if the group’s financial situation doesn’t change, it may be the theater’s last opening ever.
“We’re really broke,” theater artistic director and board chairman Jodine Watson admits frankly. “I have had to cut down on everything, even the janitorial work. I’m doing that.”
The theater’s February musical, “Bargains,” was canceled because of budget problems. This upcoming show is cheaper to stage, but has still stretched the 6-year-old group to its limit.
The group lost its major fundraiser last year, a haunted house, which was canceled due to coderelated expenses. Second, attendance has been way down, despite the fact that the Rep no longer has any live theater competition in the Valley.
“Ticket sales are just zilch,” said Watson.
She said the next 60 days are crucial to the survival of live theater in the Valley. First of all, the group needs some donations from businesses and individuals just so they can continue to pay the heating bills. Watson said the group may start “going door-to-door” asking for help.
Anybody who wants to help should call 927-6878, or send donations to the Valley Rep, P.O. Box 908, Veradale, WA 99037.
Next, they need a healthy audience for “Lone Star” and “Laundry and Bourbon.” They have a good chance of achieving that goal - this is a popular matched-pair of plays, plus the (all-volunteer) cast features a number of Spokane’s top performers.
Playwright James McClure has created two one-act plays, both showing life in the same small Texas town. One play, “Lone Star,” shows life from the perspective of the men, while “Laundry and Bourbon” turns around and shows the women, who are folding laundry and drinking bourbon and Coke.
This production features Kathie Doyle-Lipe, Linda Long, Lin Johnson, Bruce Arnold, Ron Varela and John Brooks. Watson is the director.
It opens Friday and continues through April 12. Showtimes are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Sundays and 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays. There will be no performance on Easter Sunday.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for students, available at the door or by calling 927-6878. The Valley Rep is located on the southwest corner of Sprague and Pines. The entrance is at the rear.
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